There are few combinations as comforting as coffee and cream, and when they come together in a cake, the result is nothing short of magical. Coffee Cream Cheese Cake is a sophisticated dessert that blends rich, bold coffee flavors with the smooth, creamy texture of cream cheese. This indulgent cake features layers of tender, coffee-infused pastry and a velvety custard filling, all topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s the perfect treat for coffee lovers and anyone looking to impress their guests with a dessert that is both elegant and irresistible.
What makes this cake so special is the balance between the intense flavor of instant coffee and the mild, tangy richness of cream cheese. The cake itself is light yet buttery, with a slight crunch from the sugar and vanilla sugar. The coffee filling is silky and smooth, providing a deep, aromatic contrast to the sweet cream cheese topping. The result is a dessert that’s as complex as it is delicious, offering a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that will leave everyone craving more.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon with a cup of coffee, this cake makes for an unforgettable treat. It’s a timeless dessert because it appeals to a wide range of tastes—coffee lovers, cheesecake enthusiasts, and anyone with a sweet tooth will enjoy its rich layers. Plus, it’s a dessert that can be easily prepared in advance, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your meal or event.
In the following recipe, we’ll guide you through each step to create this decadent coffee cream cheese cake, from making the pastry to preparing the filling and frosting. With just a few basic ingredients and a little patience, you can make a dessert that feels as special as it tastes.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- For the Pastry:
- 100 g butter, softened
- 200 g flour
- 40 g sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp instant coffee
- 2 tbsp water
- 5 g vanilla sugar
- 1/3 tsp baking powder
- For the Coffee Custard Filling:
- 300 ml milk
- 50 g sugar
- 25 g cornstarch
- 1 tbsp instant coffee
- 1 egg yolk
- 30 g butter
- 10 g vanilla sugar
- For the Cream Cheese Topping:
- 200 g cream cheese, softened
- 30 g powdered sugar
- 70 ml cream (33% fat content)
Steps to Make Coffee Cream Cheese Cake:
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and instant coffee. This will ensure there are no lumps and the coffee is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This can be done using an electric mixer or a whisk. Once creamed, add the egg yolk and vanilla sugar, and continue to mix until smooth.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring until the dough starts to come together. If the dough feels too dry or crumbly, add 2 tablespoons of water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is soft and pliable but not sticky.
- Chill the Dough:
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough hold its shape while baking and makes it easier to handle.
Step 2: Prepare the Coffee Custard Filling
- Heat the Milk and Sugar:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the milk is hot but not boiling.
- Make the Cornstarch Mixture:
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and instant coffee with a little cold milk (about 2 tablespoons) to create a smooth paste.
- Thicken the Custard:
- Once the milk is hot, slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the pan, whisking constantly. Continue to cook the custard over low heat, whisking until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency. This will take about 3-5 minutes.
- Finish the Custard:
- Remove the custard from the heat and whisk in the egg yolk, butter, and vanilla sugar. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the butter is completely melted. Let the custard cool slightly before using it as a filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Roll Out the Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to fit your tart or pie pan. Press the dough into the pan and trim any excess. You can use the leftover dough to create decorative edges or cut into strips for a lattice top.
- Blind Bake the Pastry:
- Line the pastry with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. After this time, remove the parchment paper and weights, and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the bottom.
- Fill the Pastry:
- Once the pastry shell is baked and cooled, pour the coffee custard filling into the shell, smoothing it out evenly.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the heavy cream and continue to whisk until the mixture becomes fluffy and holds soft peaks.
- Top the Cake:
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled coffee custard filling. Smooth the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Chill the Cake:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cream cheese topping to set.
Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2 hours (or overnight)
- Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling time)
KCAL and Servings:
- KCAL (per serving): Approx. 350-400 kcal (depending on portion size)
- Servings: 8-10 servings
Why This Recipe is Timeless:
This coffee cream cheese cake is a timeless dessert for several reasons. First, it features two ingredients—coffee and cream cheese—that have long been favorites in desserts across the world. Coffee’s bold, aromatic flavor complements the rich, tangy cream cheese in a way that makes the cake feel indulgent without being overly sweet. The addition of a buttery pastry crust and a silky custard filling creates a balance of textures that keeps every bite interesting.
Furthermore, this dessert is versatile enough for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special celebrations. Its elegance and rich flavors make it suitable for a birthday cake or holiday dessert, but its simple preparation means it can be enjoyed at any time. The cake is also a great make-ahead option; it stores well in the fridge, making it an easy and convenient treat for entertaining guests.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories per serving: Approx. 350-400 kcal
- Total Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Sugar: 20 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
FAQS:
Can I substitute regular cream cheese with light cream cheese?
- Yes, you can use light cream cheese to reduce the fat content, but the texture may be slightly different.
Can I use a different type of pastry?
- You can substitute puff pastry or shortcrust pastry, but the texture of the final cake may change slightly.
How long will this cake last?
- The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from absorbing any odors in the fridge.
Tips for Making the Perfect Coffee Cream Cheese Cake:
- Chill the dough: Be sure to chill the pastry dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This helps the dough keep its shape while baking and prevents it from shrinking.
- Whisk the custard continuously: To avoid lumps in the custard, whisk constantly while adding the cornstarch mixture.
- Use quality coffee: Since the coffee flavor is a key element in this dessert, using high-quality instant coffee will make a big difference in the final taste.
Storage Tips:
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze the cake, it’s best to freeze the filling and pastry separately, as the cream cheese topping does not freeze well.
Conclusion:
This Coffee Cream Cheese Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. It combines the best of coffee, cream cheese, and buttery pastry to create a treat.